Effects of silicon on Jatropha curcas L. germination and seedling growth under salt stress

The effects of silicon were studied on Jatropha curcas L. germination and growth under salt stress by investigating the germination rate ( GR) ,germination index ( GI) ,vitality index ( VI) ,malondialdehyde ( MDA) and enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase ( SOD) ,peroxidase ( POD) ,catalase ( CAT) . The results showed that silicon significantly improved GR,GI and VI of seeds. Under hydroponics condition,silicon significantly increased SOD and POD activities,and partly increased CAT activities,but reduced MDA contents of seedlings. Silicon relieved the negative effects of injury on J. curcas caused by salt stress. 3mmol/L silicon showed the best alleviating effects.